NAFDAC DG says Nigeria is close to discovering local remedies for Ebola

Nigerians have been assured by the Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Paul Orhii that some drugs and vaccines are likely to be discovered soon to contain the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

A statement handed to newsmen in Abuja by the Director of Special Duties in the agency, Dr. Abubakar Jimoh quotes Dr. Orhii as saying: “We have some Nigerian remedies that we are looking at very closely and after investigation we hope that they will be able to contain the Ebola virus, so Nigerians do not need to panic.”

He clarified that the deadly virus is not a death sentence in Nigeria as the Federal Government, through the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Health has managed the situation effectively and halted the rampaging spread of the disease.Dr. Orhii who recently returned from an emergency meeting of health Authorities of member-nations in Geneva convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) to stepped up the global efforts for the discovery of vaccines for the cure of the deadly Ebola, asserted that there would soon be a lasting solution to the deadly virus as some vaccines are clinically being evaluated with very high prospect of combating the disease.

He said Nigerians were full of commendation and appreciation to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu for effectively containing the Ebola virus through prompt deployment of adequate funds, material resources and personnel to strategic locations.

The NAFDAC boss informed that many countries are now learning from the methods and strategies adopted by Nigeria in combating the Ebola menace.

He enjoined Nigerians in the diaspora to feel free to visit home as the threat of the deadly disease has been effectively contained by the government.Dr. Orhii, however, requested vigilance from Nigerians as some unscrupulous elements have started taking advantage of the Ebola virus scare to market counterfeit test kits and sanitary products.